Friday's Funny

Most of these just look PAINFUL!

Blooper Wednesday--Old School Style

Tips Tuesday: Benefits of Balance Balls

Balls Replace Chairs in Fort Collins Classroom

You've seen those large exercise balls at the gym but now they're rolling into the classroom, where a Fort Collins, Colorado teacher is using the balls to improve her student's concentration and posture.

Tiffany Miller replaced the desk chairs in her fourth-grade classroom with stability balls, and now she's seeing improvements in behavior and learning.

"We know with brain based research that when you are actively sitting your brain is more engaged. The other reason is the posture is better, which means that there is more blood flow going to your brain," said Miller, a teacher at Bauder Elementary.

By using core muscles to balance on the balls, the students stay focused, which improves learning and posture."I've never thought about going back to a chair," said student Nolan Diana.

"It helps me learn," another student said. "When you had chairs you were always slouching. But if you slouch on a stability ball you will fall over," explained student Madelyn Cesa.

"If you don't have good posture when you are older you are just going to be like this, hunched over," Nolan said, bending over.

The stability balls allow the students to move around, minimizing restlessness."I am a huge fan of being able to fidget," Miller said. Her students agree.

"They are better than chairs because you can wiggle around and in chairs you just stay really stiff," said Madelyn.

"I have noticed a change. I think if you asked the kids they'll tell you they've noticed a change...They enjoy sitting in their seats now," Miller said. "I don't know if it would work for other teachers, but it works for me."

The only problem is if you leave your seat, it might just roll away.


Perfect for at home or at work and people of all ages. Gibson Athletic supports your stride to a healthier lifestyle. Gibson Anti-Burst Balance Balls are available for purchase. Improve YOUR posture!

Purchase your Balance Ball today!

http://www.momlogic.com/2009/02/balls_replace_chairs_fort_collins_classroom.php

Friday's Funny

Thursday's Weekend Preview: December 12-13

On the agenda this weekend:

The Valeri Liukin Invite is at WOGA this weekend, featuring U.S. Champion Jonathan Horton and 2009 World team member Wes Haagensen.











AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez


And for some international competition...

2009 Toyota International Gymnastics Competition
Dec. 12-13, Toyota City, Japan

Featuring:

Men
Alex Artemev, Lakewood, Colo./5280 Gymnastics
Alex Buscagila, Cary, Ill./Stanford University
Tim Gentry, Plano, Texas/Stanford, University

Women
Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md./Hill's Gymnastics
Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics Club

Local:

December 12 & 13 Level 4 State hosted by Aurora School of Gymnastics
(Also, the Level 6 State meet results are posted!)




Intrasquads!! College team preview...
Here's some preseason action that you can get in on! Go check out your favorite teams!




Friday, December 11, 2009
Mizzou @ 7 pm
Black and Gold at the Hearnes Center

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Michigan @ 7 pm
Maize and Blue Intrasquad


MSU @ 2 pm
Green & White Gymnastics Meet-Saturday, December 12 in the third floor gym of Jenison Field House. Come see the team kick off the 2010 season.



UNH @ 1 pm
Annual “Meet the Team” event on Sat., Dec. 12, at 1 p.m. in Lundholm Gymnasium

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Iowa State @ 2 pm
Come at 1:00 pm for some fan education!

UCLA and CSUF @ 2 pm (in Fullerton)
Meet the Teams exhibition: CSUF/UCLA with special guests Nastia Liukin and Peter Vidmar

And many more...check your local team's website to see when they're going to exhibition their hard work!

Or watch online:
University of Arizona preseason preview
ISU vault intrasquad


Also...2010 NCAA Men's Gymnastics preview from USA Gymnastics.

Blooper Wednesday!!--Funnies for today!

Tips Tuesday: How to Keep Gymnastics Interesting

Monday's Weekend Recap

Monday's here again! Get ready for a great week!

Jetter, Whitcomb win all-around titles at Tournament of Pas-de-Calais
Click HERE to see how the USA stacked up in France over the weekend!
Way to go girls!

Congratulations to everyone who competed at Level 5 state this weekend here in Colorado!
Way to close out the season!

Also, it's intrasquad time again! Wherever you are, check out the college teams in your area--they're all gearing up to start a fantastic NCAA season!

Friday's Funny

The Thursday News

Local Gymnastics NEWS

December 5 & 6 Level 5 State @ Loveland High School hosted by Premier Gymnastics of the Rockies

Alexander Artemev of Lakewood to Represent USA in International Competition

USA Gymnastics announces international assignments for December

11/30/2009

Alexander Artemev and Kytra Hunter
© FIG and John Cheng

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Nov. 30, 2009 – 2008 Olympic bronze-medalist Alexander Artemev of Lakewood, Colo., is among the seven U.S. gymnasts who will represent the USA in international competition this December. The two international events are the 2009 Toyota International Gymnastics Competition, Dec. 12-13, in Toyota City, Japan, and the 14th International Tournament of Pas-de-Calais, Dec. 4-5, in Arques, France. Assignments are listed below.

14th International Tournament of Pas-de-Calais
Dec. 4-5, Argues, France

Amanda Jetter, Milford, Ohio/ Cincinnati Gymnastics
Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics

2009 Toyota International Gymnastics Competition
Dec. 12-13, Toyota City, Japan

Men

Alex Artemev, Lakewood, Colo./5280 Gymnastics
Alex Buscagila, Cary, Ill./Stanford University
Tim Gentry, Plano, Texas/Stanford, University

Women
Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md./Hill's Gymnastics
Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill./Naperville Gymnastics Club

Copyright © USA Gymnastics

Lopez Dominates 16th Bolivian Games

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Former University of Denver gymnast and 2008 Olympian, Jessica Lopez (Venezuela), won five gold medals and one bronze at the 16th Bolivian Games, held this week in Sucre, Bolivia.

Click HERE to see the full article featured in International Gymnast.

Blooper Wednesday--A Swinging OUCH!

Tips Tuesday: The Importance of Stretching

Anybody involved in athletics knows that stretching and flexibility are important aspects of injury prevention. Athletes from gymnasts to dancers to basketball players to swimmers all partake in some form of warm-up before starting the rituals of daily practice.

Flexibility allows joints to move through full range of motion, which can help keep your body protected from injury by keeping muscles pliable. Stretching can also help limit the effects of old injuries in your current training.

By increasing your flexibility you will increase the amount of movement your limbs have before an injury occurs. A definite plus when looking to prolong your career in sports!

Two types of stretching include static stretching and dynamic stretching. Static stretches include any stretch that is held for 15-30 seconds of time at a point just prior to feeling discomfort. Static stretches are best conducted after your workout to focus on increasing range of motion.
Dynamic stretches, however, are a perfect warm-up prior to a workout. These stretches are more effective at reducing muscle stiffness, so doing these exercises will decrease the likelihood of muscle tears. Warming up with dynamic stretching can increase injury prevention and preparation for your workout.

Now...talking about flexibility and the importance of stretching, take a look at this video! This guy is flexible!

Monday Holiday Hangover...

Phew--we made it through the Thanksgiving holidays. Hopefully you had your fill of great food, good company, and a little break from the day-to-day monotony of work and school. Now...countdown to the festivities of December! And with the end of the year (along with Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, etc.) comes the start of NCAA Women's Gymnastics!

Here are some links to check out the pre-season news from your favorite college teams. See what's new, what they're expecting, and what great things we can look forward to seeing this year!

Georgia
Utah
Alabama
Florida
UCLA
LSU

Happy Turkey Day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blooper Wednesday! Amazing High Bar Recovery!

Tips Tuesday: Great Ideas for a Super Press to Hand

Need to work on your press? Here's some ideas to help a perfect execution of this strength skill...

• Don't rush! Lifting your heels early causes the press to planche making it difficult to hit the handstand.

• Use a wall. Start with presses with your shoulders pressed against the wall allowing the wall to assist you up to a perfect handstand. Once you've practiced this approach work presses facing away from the wall. Stand with your back against the wall, lean forward and execute a press trying to stay as close to the wall as possible. This will help you keep your hips lifted.

• Press, press, press! Practice those presses and practice with straight arms!

• Use props! Try presses on a floor bar, with parallettes, or with a wedge for assistance.

Thanksgiving Plans!!

What are your plans for the holiday season? The men's and women's National Team members share some of their Thanksgiving plans and holiday traditions.

Thanksgiving Traditions

By Luan Peszek

As we get close to Thanksgiving weekend, we asked members of the men's and women's National Teams about their holiday traditions, their favorite Thanksgiving foods and how they will celebrate this year. Here are their responses:

---

REBECCA BROSS: My favorite Thanksgiving food is either turkey or mashed potatoes.

BRIDGET SLOAN: My family always goes to my Aunt Kae's house in Illinois for Thanksgiving. My family is really big and we always have a great time, lots of food, family and fun.

KAYLA WILLIAMS: Thanksgiving gets pretty big at my house. We wake up early and watch the Macy's Parade, while my mom starts cooking the turkey. Later my grandma, uncle, and cousins come over and we all start cooking and making food together. My favorite Thanksgiving Day food is probably turkey and mashed potatoes.

WES HAAGENSEN: This Thanksgiving may be different from all of my past. I usually go to my grandparents to celebrate Thanksgiving, where we always have a big traditional turkey dinner with stuffing (which is my favorite), mashed potatoes and gravy, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and my Grandmother’s specialty - Cherry Cheesecake Pie. We also always dry out the turkey bone and pull it in half, and whoever got the bigger half would get to make a wish. This year I won’t make it back to Illinois, but my father lives in Henry, Neb., which is only a few hours drive from the OTC, so I’m hoping to celebrate the day with my dad and his wife.

JONATHAN HORTON: We have no Thanksgiving plans yet. We are going to be pretty spontaneous and figure out what we want to do when the time comes. Typically my family gets together and we have a big celebration and we eat A LOT! That is what my family does, but I would assume that now that I am married, Haley and I will start some new traditions and spend equal time with both of our families. Also, I would have to say my favorite Thanksgiving food is green bean casserole.

TIM MCNEILL: I live in California now so making it home to Virginia is pretty difficult. Luckily I will be able to spend Thanksgiving with my girlfriend’s family. I can’t wait to have loads of turkey and gravy! Growing up back home my only responsibility on Thanksgiving was to make pumpkin bread. I haven’t done it in a few years now…. I hope I haven’t lost my touch.

JAKE DALTON: My plans for Thanksgiving are to go to Colorado to my sister’s house. We are all meeting there for a family dinner. Ham is my favorite Thanksgiving food. Our family traditions are just to have a nice dinner and sit around talking and enjoying time with our family.

IVANA HONG: I don't have any big plans for Thanksgiving. Hopefully my sister, Isabelle, who is in California for college, and my Dad will come to Texas for the holidays. My favorite food for Thanksgiving would have to be green bean casserole.

NASTIA LIUKIN: This year my mom and I are planning to go to Moscow to visit my grandparents, great grandparents and other family and friends. I think we will be home in time for Thanksgiving dinner with my Dad. My parents both put together an amazing dinner. Believe it or not, my dad is a REALLY good cook!

SAMANTHA PESZEK: My family usually has a pretty common Thanksgiving. My mom's side of the family always meets at my grandma's house for an early dinner. My favorite Thanksgiving food is turkey of course! Although the meal is nice, the best part about Thanksgiving for me is catching up with my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We always play some really intense card games. My family is a little on the competitive side, but I love it!

CAMERON ROGERS: For Thanksgiving this year, my family is going to Hilton Head Island for a mini-vacation. Normally we spend Thanksgiving at home with my extended family, but my parents decided to get away for a few days this year. My favorite Thanksgiving Day food is the desserts. My family always has tons of different desserts, and I always look forward to the desserts more than the dinner.

MATTIE LARSON: This Thanksgiving my family and I plan to keep it local and celebrate at our house. Sometimes cousins will come over, but it’s usually just our immediate family. My favorite Thanksgiving Day food would have to be any dessert my mom makes. I'll always remember celebrating Thanksgiving in Guatemala with the national team in 2007. I also remember one Thanksgiving when I was about 6, my family's dryer caught on fire right before our food was coming out of the oven! It was an interesting experience.

JORDYN WIEBER: I'm especially excited for Thanksgiving this year since I've been competing the last two Thanksgivings. This year we are going to my Grandma and Grandpa's house on my mom's side and my cousins will be there. My cousin, Maya, is one of my best friends, and I don’t get to see her very often. We usually have some Lebanese food since my Grandma is 100% Lebanese. But I really loved Thanksgiving in Guatemala for Jr. Pan Ams two years ago. The Marines from the U.S. embassy invited us to their house for dinner, which was great.

DANELL LEYVA: I’ll probably have dinner with the whole family. I love all the food my family makes. I don’t have a favorite. As for traditions, we usually all get together at my grandparents' house and everyone helps with everything. It's an enjoyable time seeing all of my family.

STEVEN LEGENDRE: My Thanksgiving plans are to be home in Flower Mound, Texas, with my family, and to enjoy some great home cooking that I miss out on here at college. We don’t really have any special traditions, aside from all getting together and cooking/eating way more than usual. It’s always a great time, and a nice change of pace.

ALAINA JOHNSON: I'm going to Columbia, S.C., to be with my sister, who lives there and is a nurse. My mom, dad and brother will be there too. My favorite Thanksgiving food is sweet potato casserole.

ALEX BUSCAGLIA: Regarding Thanksgiving, I will be heading home to Chicago for Thanksgiving this year. As much as I dislike the cold, I love going home to more seasonal weather than we experience here in California. I'll be with my sister (Ashley), her fiancé, my aunt, uncle, and cousins for the day. My favorite Thanksgiving Day food would have to be the bean casserole that my family makes (with canned mushroom soup). There is always a fight over who gets to take home the leftovers (my sister and I usually win).

KAITLYN CLARK: Every year we go to Campland by the Bay in San Diego and camp in our motor home with my family -- Dad, Mom, brother Matt, sister Bree and brother Kyle. My favorite Thanksgiving Day food is pumpkin pie and whipped cream! We eat Thanksgiving dinner as we overlook the bay. We have so much fun playing football and going on the water boats. I am thankful for my family and the memories we share each Thanksgiving.

WYATT AYCOCK: Regarding Thanksgiving, I plan to eat a lot of food. I will celebrate the day with my family and my girlfriend. My favorite Thanksgiving Day foods are turkey and ham.

JAKE DASTRUP: Every Thanksgiving we switch off going to my grandma and grandpa's on each side. This year we are going to the grandparents on my dad’s side. They own a big ranch. We have lots of family come over and go four-wheeling and hanging out with cousins that we don’t see often. It is very fun!

JORDAN VALDEZ: This year for Thanksgiving I'm planning to just relax at home (in Texas). Unfortunately I won't be going to visit my family this holiday because they live in Colorado and I only have a few days off from school. Most likely I will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my girlfriend and her family or one of my close teammate's families. My favorite Thanksgiving food is definitely turkey and mashed potatoes. It might not be the healthiest food but there is only one Thanksgiving a year. One of my most memorable Thanksgivings was several years ago; we went up to my Nana's house with my entire family and had this huge dinner with three whole turkeys. It was awesome to see all of my family sitting at one table eating dinner together.

SOPHINA DEJESUS: My plan for this Thanksgiving is to go over to my uncle’s house. He lives in Glendale and he just had a baby girl, so I am very excited to see my new niece. I will celebrate the day with my whole family, which includes my sister Savannah and my brother Izaia (he is in the Air Force and is coming home for Thanksgiving) and my mom and dad. Also my 7 cousins and all my uncles and aunties will be there. My favorite Thanksgiving food is my granddad’s homemade banana pudding and my auntie’s sweet potatoe pie!

SAMANTHA SHAPIRO: My family always has a big Thanksgiving gathering with lots of family friends. The whole group gets together and we spend the entire day cooking, watching football, and playing basketball and other games until it is time for dinner. This year Thanksgiving will be even more special because my grandma, aunt, uncle and cousin from Indianapolis are coming to Los Angeles to spend the holiday with us.

DYLAN AKERS: I’ll celebrate Thanksgiving with my family! My grandma will come down for sure. I love pumpkin pie. It's the best.

Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

DU Gymnastics Announces 2009-10 Schedule - Denver Pioneers Official Athletics Site

Here at Gibson we're really looking forward to the start of the NCAA season!! In support of our local team, the University of Denver Women's Gymnastics Team, here's their schedule for the 2010 season.

Looking forward to seeing the college debuts of the four new freshmen: Liz Ames (Wethersfield, CT), Simona Castro Lazo (Santiago, Chile), Emily Reichert (Windermere, FL), and Jaleesa Wilson (Cary, NC)!! Let's see what they can bring to the table! Of course we're also looking forward to seeing what the returners have been working on for the new year!!

DU Gymnastics Announces 2009-10 Schedule - Denver Pioneers Official Athletics Site

NCAA Gymnastics is almost here!!!

Results are out for the 2010 Men's and Women's Gymnastics Pre-Season Coaches Poll!

Click to see the TOP WOMEN'S TEAMS
Click to see the TOP MEN'S TEAMS


Can't wait for the season to begin!

Ankle Injury Prevention

Season ending. This is not a word you want to hear regarding an injury. Some injuries are accidents, no matter how hard you try sometimes they just happen. Other injuries, however, are preventable. These are the injuries that Gibson aims to help athletes with.

Injury prevention is an easy way to ensure that athletes get the most out of their hard work and can lead successful competition seasons.

Gymnasts put high levels of stress on their feet and ankles while training and competing. It is important to maintain strength and flexibility in the ankles to prevent overuse injuries.

The Gibson Balance Board is used for strength training in legs and ankles, as well as balance. This training tool can help keep the small muscles in a gymnast's ankles tuned-up and ready for action.

Dyna-Bands are a resistive strength training product which can help tone the muscles in the ankles. Dyna-Bands can help with weak ankles and injuries, as well as with keeping the lower leg and foot muscles and joints flexible.

The Step Stretch can be used to increase flexibility in the lower leg and ankle, thus avoiding injury. It is an excellent tool for ankle injury prevention and also for ankle rehabilitation following an injury.

Many gymnasts suffer from bruising on their heels from the repetition of high-impact skills during training. One option is to wear a heel protector. A heel protector offers protection for bare-feet with shock absorption and ankle support.


HAPPY TRAINING! Keep those injuries under control!

USA Gymnasts place 1-2 at World's

LONDON, Great Britain, Oct. 16, 2009 – Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., won the women’s all-around title at the 2009 World Championships at The O2 Arena in London, Great Britain, finishing just 0.050 ahead of teammate Rebecca Bross of Plano, Texas.

“I didn’t even look at the scores or notice them,” said Sloan, who was a member of the 2008 Olympic Team that won the silver medal. “At the very end of the meet, Marvin (Sharp, her coach) came up and said, ‘Look,’ and I went, ‘Oh my gosh, did this just happen?’ Looking at how close it (the competition) was, that is about as close as you can get.”

The USA won the top two world spots only one other time, four years ago in Melbourne, Australia, when Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., slipped by Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, to win the title by just 0.001. The USA’s Shawn Johnson also won the world all-around title in 2007, giving the USA the coveted all-around crown in two of the last three World Championships.

“This is a tremendous moment for Bridget, Rebecca, and all of the coaches and athletes connected with women's program,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Both athletes have worked hard to achieve this result and they are a testament to the continuing legacy of success being developed within our country.”

The battle for the title went down to the last event, the floor exercise. Sloan, the reigning U.S. all-around champion, earned a 14.200 for her floor routine. Bross went last, and a bad landing on her last tumbling pass gave her a 12.875, which moved Sloan into the top spot.

“I honestly am not surprised (about going first and second), but I am very happy,” said Martha Karolyi, the U.S. women’s national team coordinator. “We knew we were prepared, but that it is not enough. You have to have the consistency to go out there when the most pressure is on. We are doing a lot of mental preparation with the girls, and I think this is the result of that.

“Both of the gymnasts are really good,” said Karolyi. “One needs a little bit more experience. One of them is extremely young and very promising. I foresee a fantastic future for Rebecca, even with the mistake in this meet, and she will be a front-runner in the years to come. I am proud of Bridget to have come from an alternate in 2007 (on the World team) to a team member on the 2008 Olympic Team to this year stepping up as an individual (competitor) and taking over the responsibility to earn the medals for the USA. I am very proud.”

Bross, who trains at WOGA, and Sloan, who trains at Sharp’s Gymnastics, competed in the same rotation group, starting the competition on vault. Both Bross and Sloan performed a Yurchenko double full. Both Bross and Sloan had small steps on their landings, earning a 14.525 and a 14.825, respectively.

Bross nailed her difficulty-packed uneven bars routine, including a full twisting double back dismount. She posted a 15.075. Sloan earned a 14.800 for her routine, where she stuck her full twisting double layout dismount.

On beam, Bross was first up in her group and had a strong routine, including a double Arabian dismount. She scored a 15.300, which moved her into first in the standings at 44.900. Sloan had a few wobbles on beam, which resulted in a 14.000 and put her into second place in the all-around with 43.625.

Sloan did an impressive floor routine that included a Randi and a pike full-in along with her double pike dismount. She tallied a 14.200, giving her a 57.825 all-around total. Bross, who was up last on the event, has a strong floor routine that included a layout to double front. The routine was going well until she put her hands down while landing her last tumbling pass, which earned her a 12.875 and the total score of 57.775.

“It was a little bit of a shock (when I won),” said Sloan. “Going into floor, I knew that second place was a very good possibility. At same time, I was just hoping for the best for both of us. There was no ‘I want to win’; that wasn’t even in my mind. Becca has a very strong routine, and I do too, but just not as good as hers. When she fell, emotions just started going in and out of my head. I can’t say I was happy because a teammate fell. It was, ‘Oh no.’ I am very happy with how I did today.”

Bross, who trains at the same gym with 2008 Olympic all-around champion, competed in her first World Championships, as well as her first senior level international meet.

“I’m very happy with what I did tonight,” said Bross. “I had a mishap on floor on my last pass, but that happens and there is nothing I can do about it. I wasn’t really thinking about medals or scores. I was just trying to work on what I had to do and do it to the best of my abilities.”

Congrats USA for a great job at worlds!

Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

"USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team" World Selection Episode

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Oct. 11, 2009 – 2009’s third episode of “USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team” takes fans inside the men’s and women’s World Team Camps as members of the U.S national team prepare for their shot to wear the red, white and blue at the 2009 Artistic Gymnastics World Championship in London, site of the 2012 Olympic Games.

As the camera follows each team through its World Selection process, fans get the opportunity to see what it’s like to train for the world stage and preview some of the USA’s world routine training sets. Interviews with Women’s National Team Coordinator Martha Karolyi, Men’s National Team Coordinator Ron Brant, and members of the 2009 U.S World Championships Team give fans a chance to hear just what it means to make a World Championships team.

2008 Olympic medalists and 2009 U.S. Champions Jonathan Horton and Bridget Sloan provide fans with insight about on what to expect from these new squads, and 2008 Olympic all-around gold-medalist Nastia Liukin talks about what it physically takes to be ready for the world stage.

Check out the latest episode of "Behind the Team" online now only at www.att.net/teamusa.

The final 2009 “Behind the Team” episode will be available following the NBC Sports broadcast of the 2009 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. However, beginning Oct. 13, fans get a special glimpse of the World Championships host city and home for the 2012 Olympic Games, with four extra episodes following Olympic champion Liukin as she tours London.

As always, good luck team USA!

Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

USA Gymnastics names U.S. Women’s Team for 2009 World Championships

HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Oct. 4, 2009 – 2008 Olympic team silver-medalist and 2009 U.S. all-around champion Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., Sharp's Gymnastics; Rebecca Bross of Plano, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics; Ivana Hong of Allen, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics; and Kayla Williams of Nitro, W.V., Gym Nest Inc., will represent the United States on the U.S. Women’s Team at the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-18, in London, England. For more information, visit WorldGymnastics2009.com.

The alternates are Kytra Hunter of Frederick, Md., Hill's Gymnastics and Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., Naperville Gymnastics Club.

The format for this year’s World Championships features all-around and individual event competition. The U.S. Women’s Team was selected based on performances at the 2009 Visa Championships in Dallas, Texas, and two U.S. Women’s Team Selection Camps, which were held at USA Gymnastics Women’s National Team Training Center in Huntsville, Texas.

Sloan, a member of the 2008 silver-medal winning Olympic Team, won her first U.S. all-around title, as well as the uneven bars and floor exercise crowns, at the 2009 Visa Championships in August. 2008 Olympic Team alternate Hong finished a close second in the all-around and won the U.S. balance beam title. 2007 U.S. junior champion Bross was third in the all-around. Williams won the vault title at the 2009 Visa Championships.

The competition will be held at the O2, the gymnastics venue at the 2012 Olympic Games. Qualification rounds determine advancement to the all-around and apparatus finals. The top 24 men and women compete in the all-around finals on Oct. 15-16. For individual events, the top eight on each apparatus from the qualification rounds advance to the finals (Oct. 17-18).

The U.S. Men’s Team for the World Championships was named earlier and is comprised of: Jake Dalton, Sparks, Nev./University of Oklahoma; Wes Haagensen, Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Olympic Training Center; Jonathan Horton, Houston/Cypress Gymnastics Academy; Steven Legendre, Flower Mound, Texas/University of Oklahoma; Danell Leyva, Miami/Universal Gymnastics; and Tim McNeill, Falls Church, Va./University of California – Berkeley.

GOOD LUCK TEAM USA!

Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

Tickets on Sale Now for 2010 Tyson American Cup

WORCESTER, Mass., Oct. 5, 2009 — Tickets for the 2010 Tyson American Cup, scheduled for March 6, 2010, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass., are on sale now. The Tyson American Cup is the United States’ most prestigious all-around international invitational and features some of the world’s top gymnasts with men competing on all six apparatus and women on four.

"We are excited to bring the 2010 Tyson American Cup to Worcester and the DCU Center,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “This event has a tradition of showcasing the world’s top gymnasts and will give gymnastics fans a first-hand glimpse of the stars expected to make headlines at the 2012 Games in London.”
Ticket prices for the event range from $35-125. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 800-745-3000; online at www.ticketmaster.com; at all Ticketmaster outlets; through participating gym clubs; or at the DCU Center Ticket Office. Visa is the preferred method of payment.

The USA’s Jordyn Wieber of DeWitt, Mich., and Germany’s Fabian Hambuechen won the all-around titles at the 2009 Tyson American Cup. Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., placed second for the women and the USA’s David Sender of Arlington Heights, Ill., and Joseph Hagerty of Rio Rancho, N.M., finished second and third, respectively, for the men. The list of former champions comprises some of the sport’s best-known names, including Bart Conner, Paul Hamm, Nastia Liukin, Shawn Johnson, Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson, Mary Lou Retton and Peter Vidmar. The gymnasts competing in 2010 will be announced at a later date.

This will be the first time the prestigious Tyson American Cup has been held in Massachusetts. Past sites for the American Cup include: New York City; Ft. Worth, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind.; Fairfax, Va.; Orlando, Fla.; Seattle, Wash.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Uniondale, N.Y.; Philadelphia; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Hoffman Estates, Ill.

The Nastia Liukin Cup, a competitive opportunity for top Junior Olympic female gymnasts, will be held on March 5 in conjunction with the Tyson American Cup. The one-night event features gymnasts from 14 invitationals that comprise the Nastia Liukin Cup Series. Tickets for the event will be available with the purchase of a Tyson American Cup ticket. Proceeds from the Nastia Liukin Cup will go into the Nastia Liukin Fund, a charitable fund within the National Gymnastics Foundation.


Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

Memmel withdraws from 2009 World Championships Team selection

HUNTSVILLE, Texas, Oct. 2, 2009 – 2008 Olympic team silver-medalist Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., has withdrawn from the final selection process for the U.S. Team for the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-15, in London, England. Memmel, a former world champion, has been working her way back into competitive gymnastics after ankle surgery in late 2008.

“I have run out of time, and I am not quite where I want to be gymnastics-wise,” said Memmel, who is coached by her father, Andy. “I haven’t been able to do the number of routines and repetitions that I need to represent the USA at the highest level. Also, I thought this would make it easier for Martha and the selection committee in naming the team, because we have so many talented gymnasts who deserve the chance to go to London. My Dad and I met with Martha, and she is very supportive of this decision.

“I am going home and will spend the time getting my routines ready for next year.”


Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

A look Back At Some 2009 Highlights

Every college team is now officially in preseason practices! Not picking favorites, just some SEC highlights to get you excited for this coming season!

USA Gymnastics and it's community support Chicago's Bid for the 2016 Olympic Games

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 28, 2009 – On Oct. 2, the International Olympic Committee will determine the site of the 2016 Olympic Games as part of its meetings in Copenhagen, Denmark. The City of Chicago has put together an incredible bid for the Olympics, complete with a compact plan of impressive venues, solid corporate support and an involved local government. Along with the city’s endeavors, World Sports Chicago has already begun creating a lasting legacy through its grassroots efforts with the various national governing bodies by hosting numerous events for a variety of Olympic sports.

“USA Gymnastics completely supports Chicago, and we believe the city will be an excellent host for the 2016 Olympic Games,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “We also applaud the efforts of World Sports Chicago in supporting Olympic efforts throughout the community, including the Tyson American Cup and the Tyson Fitness Challenge. Enthusiasm for hosting the Olympic Games is evident in Chicago.

“Hosting the Olympic Games in the United States intensifies the spotlight on sports in our country,” said Penny. “Chicago has demonstrated that it is an Olympic city by supporting the grassroots sports movement and by including USA Gymnastics in the planning and presentation of the bid and its benefits.”

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama lead the U.S. delegation going to Copenhagen for the final Chicago 2016 presentation and the IOC’s vote. 2008 Olympic all-around champion Nastia Liukin and Olympic gold-medalists Bart Conner and Nadia Comaneci are included in the delegation, along with 23 other Olympic and Paralympic athletes and Oprah Winfrey.

“President Obama's presence in Copenhagen cannot be understated and gives Chicago its strongest chance possible,” said Penny. “This is quite possibly the best bid ever put forward by the United States, and the President's participation demonstrates that no stone is being left unturned. USA Gymnastics is proud of Chicago 2016 and we remain hopeful that the IOC will recognize the quality of the bid by awarding the 2016 Olympic Games to this great city.”
Fans can still show their support for Chicago’s bid by registering as a supporter on the Chicago 2016 Web site.

A variety of activities are planned to follow the final IOC selection process on Oct. 2, including options for fans who live in and outside of the Chicago area.
Chicagoans can go to Daley Plaza to watch the announcement and other activities live on Oct. 2, beginning at 9 a.m. CT. Shawn Johnson is expected to be on hand in Chicago for the festivities. Fans can also follow the action in Copenhagen, from the city presentations to the announcement, on the Web or TV. Coverage is available through several different outlets Friday morning, including the Chicago 2016 Web site (www.chicago2016.org/watch-live.aspx) for rebroadcasts of the final presentation, and live coverage of the city announcement and press conference; the IOC Web site (http://www.olympic.org/) for live streaming of the candidate city presentations; Universal Sports, both its Web Site (http://www.universalsports.com/) and cable network; and NBC.

Chicago faces competition from Madrid, Spain; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and Tokyo, Japan. Each city will make a presentation to the IOC and hold a press conference following its presentation.

The announcement of the host city is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET. For a complete presentation and announcement schedule for Oct. 2, please go to http://www.olympic.org/.

To learn more about Chicago’s plans and recent news about 2016, go to http://www.chicago2016.org/.

Copyright©USA Gymnastics.

USA GYMNASTICS: Behind The Team Presented by AT&T

As USA Gymnastics Men's and Women's teams prepared for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing fans were able to get a look behind the scenes with USA Gymnastics: Behind The Team presented by AT&T. Now, Behind The Team is back with some new faces and a few you'll be certain to recognize. We hope you enjoy the latest videos.

About The Current Episode
This Time Around: In the second episode of 2009's "USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team presented by AT&T," fans get a glimpse of the country's top gymnasts' experiences at the 2009 Visa Championships.

Fans can follow the athletes through the event, pre-event training and media activities through their performances and into the post-competition mixed zone. This episode shines a spotlight on the athletes as they competed for a national title at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

Olympic medalists and newly crowned U.S. all-around champions Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., and Jonathan Horton of Houston are among the competitors who provide insight and perspective on their performances and the honor of being named to the national team.

Upcoming episodes of "Behind the Team" will focus on the 2009 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships this October in London, site of the 2012 Olympic Games. The Web series is found exclusively on att.net/teamusa. "USA Gymnastics: Behind the Team" is a joint initiative of USA Gymnastics and AT&T.

Click here to access the site and watch the episodes in full!
http://fanzone.att.net/s/s.dll?ep=25092&only=y&ch=tu&s1=gym&s2=vid&artist=FZ_Event_USAGymnastics&geo=1&isFanzone=1

Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

Mixed-Gender Gymnastics?! Or is it better off the traditional way?!

Too funny not to share! Perfect for a laugh late in the week- enjoy!

10 Women Invited to the final World Championships Team Selection Camp

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Sept. 14, 2009 – 2009 U.S. all-around champion Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., and her 2008 Olympic team silver-medal teammates Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., and Samantha Peszek of Indianapolis, Ind., are among the 10 women invited to the final selection camp for the 2009 World Championships, Oct. 13-18, in London, England. The camp is scheduled for Sept. 30- Oct. 4 at the U.S. Women’s National Training Center in Huntsville, Texas.

Four gymnasts will be named to the U.S. Women’s Team for the 2009 World Championships, which features competition in the all-around and individual events, along with two or three non-traveling alternates. The 10 were invited back following the first selection camp, which concluded this past weekend.

The gymnasts returning to the second and final selection camp are listed below.

* Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., Bieger International Gymnastics
* Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics
* Mackenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., Naperville Gymnastics Club
* Ivana Hong, Lovejoy, Texas, WOGA Gymnastics
* Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., Hill's Gymnastics
* Chellsie Memmel, West Allis, Wis., M&M Gymnastics
* Samantha Peszek, Indianapolis, Ind., Sharp's Gymnastics
* Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind., Sharp's Gymnastics
* Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Gymnastics
* Kayla Williams, Nitro, W.V., Gym Nest Inc.

Copyright © USA Gymnastics.

Here's a laugh to get the week started!

Nastia's Last Routine...for now!

Nastia Liukin Pulls out of World Championships

Olympic champion Nastia Liukin ran out of time.

Liukin withdrew her name from consideration for the world gymnastics championships Monday, saying she hasn't had enough time to train. Liukin, only the third U.S. woman to win the Olympic title, has been in high demand for appearances, photo shoots and commercial opportunities since she left Beijing, but the schedule wreaked havoc on her training.

The first of two training camps that will be used to choose the U.S. women's team is next week, and worlds are Oct. 13-18 in London. There is no team competition at this year's worlds, only the all-around and individual events.

"I didn't want to go out there and compete and represent Team USA if I wasn't at my best," Liukin said. "Physically, I'm not capable of doing it because I didn't have enough time to prepare."

While Liukin said she is going to take a break from the sport -- "I hope to go on vacation, hopefully on an island somewhere" -- she insists she is not retiring.

She plans to return to the gym, and still hopes to compete at the London Olympics in 2012. She'd also like to compete at another world championships. Liukin has won nine medals at worlds, tying her with Shannon Miller for most by a U.S. gymnast.

"This decision has absolutely nothing to do with the rest of my career. It's based on just this year, the world championships," Liukin said. "I really feel like it was necessary just because I haven't really had much time off. I wasn't always in the gym, but I was always on the go.

"I'm going to take some time off, regroup, get ready for the next few years and decide what the plan is from here on out."

Making this decision was stressful, Liukin said, because she didn't want to let anyone down. Though there's no team competition at worlds, these championships set the tone for the leadup to the next Olympics and give an early indication of who are the teams and gymnasts to watch.

The Americans served notice they had rebounded from their disappointing showing in Sydney by winning two of the four event titles at the 2002 world championships. Chellsie Memmel and Liukin were 1-2 in the all-around in 2005, and the Americans went on to collect seven more medals in the event finals. Liukin took gold on beam and bars.

Liukin said she talked with her parents -- father Valeri is her coach -- over the weekend, and spent two days trying to track down women's national team coordinator Martha Karolyi, who is in Romania on vacation. When she finally got ahold of Karolyi on Monday morning, Liukin said it was one of the hardest conversations she's ever had.

"She definitely tried to convince me to come to camp and give it one more shot," Liukin said. "I could tell it was a little hard for her to take, but it hasn't been easy. At same time, this is the right decision for me at this time."

Liukin's decision will give Karolyi some flexibility in selecting a team for worlds. Countries can send only four gymnasts, and are limited to two gymnasts per event. Liukin would have done, at most, balance beam and uneven bars.

"We appreciate her making a decision that is right for her, as well as putting the goals of her teammates ahead of her own," Karolyi said. "We look forward to working with Nastia as she returns to competitive gymnastics when she is ready."

Liukin's announcement wasn't a complete surprise.

She's crisscrossed the country since winning gold in Beijing, doing everything from appearing at Fashion Week to picking up the female athlete of the year award at the ESPYs. She's loved all the experiences, but gymnastics is not a sport that can be done on a part-time basis.

It takes hundreds of repetitions to perfect a routine -- even routines she was doing with ease just last summer. Liukin would feel as if she was making progress after a few days at home, only to leave for a few days and then feel as if she had to start the whole process over again when she returned.

"It was very frustrating," she said.

Liukin curtailed her schedule a few months ago so she could compete at the U.S. championships, which were in her hometown of Dallas. She did one event, finishing fourth on beam, but the solid yet imperfect performance showed she wasn't back to top level yet.

And that's not good enough.

As the Olympic champion, the expectations are higher for Liukin. She not only accepts that, she expects even more of herself. If she's not ready to contend for a gold medal, then she's not ready to compete.

"I've set my standards too high," she said. "I don't want to just go out there and compete."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Great News for NCAA Gymnastics!

National Gymnastics Foundation, USA Gymnastics create Collegiate Gymnastics Developmental Fund
08/17/2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., Aug. 12, 2009 – The National Gymnastics Foundation, in partnership with USA Gymnastics, is creating a Collegiate Gymnastics Developmental Fund. The fund’s goal is to provide solutions to support collegiate programs in peril and offer educational and business training for coaches and program administrators to assist them in building financially secure programs. The Collegiate Gymnastics Developmental Fund complements the initiatives USA Gymnastics already has in place to support collegiate gymnastics.

“Collegiate gymnastics is a vital part of the gymnastics fabric in the United States,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “This effort will work to reinforce the importance of our existing NCAA programs and provide a new level of support to the coaches and athletes involved. The fund is intended to create a mechanism in partnership with the various coaches associations and schools that helps collegiate gymnastics programs enhance their presence in communities nationwide. We look forward to working with the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women, College Gymnastics Association for men’s gymnastics and the various gymnastics programs as we move forward. ”

In addition to the Collegiate Developmental Fund, the National Gymnastics Foundation already has scholarship programs in place for men’s collegiate gymnastics and trampoline athletes that are endowed through donations and fees. USA Gymnastics organizes national championships for both men’s and women’s gymnastics to supplement the NCAA National Gymnastics Championships. USA Gymnastics has taken an increasingly proactive role in supporting the collegiate arm of gymnastics; earlier this year it hosted a summit to discuss the issues facing collegiate gymnastics and assisted in a fundraising effort for Cal State Fullerton women’s gymnastics team.

The Collegiate Developmental Fund (CDF) will be supported through public and private donations, as well as through some existing funds in the National Gymnastics Foundation. The NGF has dedicated funds valued at $100,000 to seed the CDF.

“The Foundation is still working out the details for the fund,” said Bob Wood, chair of the National Gymnastics Foundation. “No grants will be issued until the guidelines and parameters for funding and distribution are solidified. We are excited about the opportunities the Fund will present, and we hope the gymnastics community will band together to build a solid endowment for this effort.”

"This is a huge step forward," commented Mike Lorenzen, president of NACGC/W. "We are very excited about the opportunity to work with USA Gymnastics and the National Gymnastics Foundation to identify solutions to maintain and develop new college programs."

“It is important for us to work together to sustain NCAA gymnastics as an important goal for all of our athletes,” said Mike Burns, president of the College Gymnastics Association for men’s gymnastics. “USA Gymnastics, the National Gymnastics Foundation and the entire NCAA gymnastics community are vital partners in this effort. I look forward to working on this worthwhile cause.”

The National Gymnastics Foundation was created from the energy and excitement generated by the gold-medal Olympic effort of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Proceeds totaling $1.4 million from the 1984 Olympics were used to establish the Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Today, the Foundation’s assets total approximately $4.3 million.

Copyright © USA Gymnastics. All Rights Reserved.

National Championships Results- Sloan takes the title

Sloan wins women’s all-around title at ’09 Visa Championships
08/15/2009

DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2009 – 2008 Olympic team silver-medalist Bridget Sloan of Pittsboro, Ind., won her first U.S. all-around title at the 2009 Visa Championships at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Sloan, who trains at Sharp’s Gymnastics, came from behind in the last rotation win the title with a score 117.550.

“It feels great to win the Visa Championships, “said Sloan. “The first day didn’t go as planned, but today went well. I know this is the first step in the World (Championships) selection process, and now I know what I need to do.”

2008 Olympic Team alternate Ivana Hong of Lovejoy, Texas/WOGA, finished a close second in the all-around at 117.250. WOGA’s Rebecca Bross of Plano, Texas, landed in third place with an all-around score of 116.600.

Kytra Hunter of Frederick, Md./Hill's Gymnastics, finished fourth in the all-around with 113.750 Sloan won both the uneven bars and floor exercise crowns with combined scores of 29.450 and 29.350, respectively. Hong won the U.S. balance beam title with a score of 30.350. Kayla Williams of Nitro, W.V./Gym Nest won vault with a score of 29.075.

In the final rotation, Sloan’s 15.000 on vault clinched the all-around title. She had the evening’s highest scores on uneven bars (14.900) and floor exercise(15.050). She posted a 14.900 on balance beam.Hong posted Saturday night’s top score on beam at 15.200. Her other scores were: vault, 15.250; uneven bars, 14.600; and floor exercise, 14.000. Bross earned highest vault score of the day at 15.300 for her double twisting Yurchenko vault. Her other scores for the night were 13.350 on bars and 14.700 on beam and floor exercise. 2008 Olympian Samantha Peszek of Indianapolis, Ind./Sharp’s Gymnastics, was second on beam with a score of 30.100.

Fellow 2008 Olympians Chellsie Memmel of West Allis, Wis., and Nastia Liukin of Parker, Texas, competed on the balance beam. 2008 Olympic all-around champion Liukin was named Athlete of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year and her father and coach Valeri Liukin was named Coach of the Year.

2009 Visa Championships
American Airlines Center
Dallas, TX
Aug. 15, 2009
Women’s gymnastics final results

All-Around
1. Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind., 117.550
2. Ivana Hong, Lovejoy, Texas, 117.250
3. Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, 116.600
4. Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., 113.750
5. MacKenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., 111.950
6. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 111.550
7. Kayla Williams, Nitro, W. Va., 111.350
8. Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, 111.100
9. Alaina Johnson, Tyler, Texas, 109.650
10. Kaitlyn Clark, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 109.400
11. Rebecca Clark, Blue Springs, Mo., 109.250
12. Kimberly Jacob, Raleigh, N.C., 108.550
13. Brooke Parker, Lorton, Va., 107.950
14. Morgan Steigerwalt, Jim Thorpe, Pa., 107.050
15. Annette Miele, Easton, Pa., 106.150
16. Georgia Dabritz, Rowley, Mass., 105.600

Vault
1. Ivana Hong, Lovejoy, Texas, 29.950
2. Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind., 29.900
2. Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., 29.900
4. Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, 29.750
5. MacKenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., 29.600
6. Kayla Williams, Nitro, W. Va., 29.075
7. Morgan Steigerwalt, Jim Thorpe, Pa., 28.500
7. Kaitlyn Clark, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 28.500
9. Annette Miele, Easton, Pa., 28.150
10. Kimberly Jacob, Raleigh, N.C., 27.850
10. Brooke Parker, Lorton, Va., 27.850
12. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 27.550
13. Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, 27.500
14. Alaina Johnson, Tyler, Texas, 27.300
15. Rebecca Clark, Blue Springs, Mo., 27.200
16. Georgia Dabritz, Rowley, Mass., 27.150
17. Samantha Peszek, Indianapolis, Ind., 14.550

Uneven Bars
1. Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind., 29.450
2. Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, 29.350
3. MacKenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., 29.000
4. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 28.850
5. Ivana Hong, Lovejoy, Texas, 28.650
6. Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, 28.400
7. Georgia Dabritz, Rowley, Mass., 28.100
8. Alaina Johnson, Tyler, Texas, 27.700
9. Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., 27.300
9. Brooke Parker, Lorton, Va., 27.300
11. Kaitlyn Clark, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 27.050
12. Rebecca Clark, Blue Springs, Mo., 26.850
13. Kimberly Jacob, Raleigh, N.C., 26.600
14. Annette Miele, Easton, Pa., 25.650
15. Kayla Williams, Nitro, W. Va., 24.800
16. Morgan Steigerwalt, Jim Thorpe, Pa., 23.400

Balance Beam
1. Ivana Hong, Lovejoy, Texas, 30.350
2. Samantha Peszek, Indianapolis, Ind., 30.100
3. Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, 29.400
4. Nastia Liukin, Parker, Texas, 29.150
5. Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind., 28.850
6. Rebecca Clark, Blue Springs, Mo., 28.500
7. Kimberly Jacob, Raleigh, N.C., 28.250
8. Chellsie Memmel, West Allis, Wis., 27.900
8. Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., 27.900
10. Kayla Williams, Nitro, W. Va., 27.850
11. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 27.800
12. Morgan Steigerwalt, Jim Thorpe, Pa., 27.700
13. Alaina Johnson, Tyler, Texas, 27.100
14. Annette Miele, Easton, Pa., 26.700
15. Kaitlyn Clark, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 26.650
16. Brooke Parker, Lorton, Va., 26.350
17. MacKenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., 26.000
18. Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, 25.800
19. Georgia Dabritz, Rowley, Mass., 25.100

Floor exercise
1. Bridget Sloan, Pittsboro, Ind., 29.350
2. Rebecca Bross, Plano, Texas, 29.050
3. Kytra Hunter, Frederick, Md., 28.650
4. Kayla Williams, Nitro, W. Va., 28.500
5. Cassandra Whitcomb, Cincinnati, Ohio, 28.450
6. Ivana Hong, Lovejoy, Texas, 28.300
7. Samantha Peszek, Indianapolis, Ind., 28.250
8. Alaina Johnson, Tyler, Texas, 27.550
9. Morgan Steigerwalt, Jim Thorpe, Pa., 27.450
10. MacKenzie Caquatto, Naperville, Ill., 27.350
10. Jana Bieger, Coconut Creek, Fla., 27.350
12. Kaitlyn Clark, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., 27.200
13. Rebecca Clark, Blue Springs, Mo., 26.700
14. Brooke Parker, Lorton, Va., 26.450
15. Kimberly Jacob, Raleigh, N.C., 25.850
16. Annette Miele, Easton, Pa., 25.650
17. Georgia Dabritz, Rowley, Mass., 25.250

Copyright © USA Gymnastics. All rights reserved.

NCAA may change women's gymnastics championships

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA women's gymnastics committee is recommending changes to the national championship format: It wants four teams to compete in the finals instead of the current six.

According to a proposal disclosed last week, byes would be eliminated and the competition would be shortened, something the committee believes would make the event more appealing to fans and television.

Thirty-six teams would still compete at regionals and 12 would still advance to the championship round.

Other recommended changes include counting the score of each gymnast on each apparatus toward the team's final score, instead of throwing out the lowest of the six individual scores. The format would only be used in regional and national championships.

The changes still need final approval before they would be implemented in 2011.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

IOC monitoring case against China's 2000 gymnasts

Associated PressLAUSANNE, Switzerland -- The International Olympic Committee said it will take "necessary measures" if gymnastics officials determine that China used two underage gymnasts at the 2000 Summer Games.

The investigation into Dong Fangxiao and Yang Yun's eligibility has been turned over to a disciplinary commission, the International Gymnastics Federation announced Tuesday. If they are found to be underage, the commission could recommend sanctions to the FIG's executive committee.

But it would be up to the IOC to determine what, if anything, to do about the medals China won in Sydney. The Chinese women won the bronze team medal, and Yang was the bronze medalist on the uneven bars.

"The IOC will take necessary measures upon the decision of the FIG disciplinary commission," IOC spokeswoman Sandrine Tonge said Wednesday. "We're following the case and awaiting their findings."

Questions about Dong and Yang's ages arose during the FIG's investigation into the eligibility of several members of China's team that won the gold medal at the Beijing Games. The 2008 gymnasts were cleared in October, but the FIG said it wasn't satisfied with "the explanations and evidence provided to date" for Dong and Yang.

The gymnasts are suspected of being as young as 14 in Sydney. Gymnasts must turn 16 during an Olympic year to be eligible to compete.

The disciplinary commission, formed last week, has already received all of the evidence and met once. Its decision is expected by September, at the latest.

Neither Yang nor Dong could be contacted by The Associated Press on Wednesday. Calls to Yang's cell phone number were answered by a "cannot be connected" message, while Dong's number is no longer in use.

Zhou Qiurui, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Gymnastics Association, said the association had received a notice from the FIG and was willing to cooperate, but did not have any details on how that would be done.

"Lu Shanzhen, the deputy director of our association who is in charge of the women's team, is not in Beijing," Zhou said.
---
Associated Press researcher Xi Yue in Beijing contributed to this report.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press

Catching Up with Chellsie Memmel

06/10/2009
Chellsie Memmel was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team that won the team silver medal in Beijing, China. At the 2006 World Championships, Memmel helped her team earn the silver medal, but had to withdraw from the all-around and individual event finals due to a shoulder injury. She missed most of 2007 while recovering from that injury. At the 2005 World Championships, Memmel became the first U.S. woman to win the all-around gold medal since Shannon Miller in 1994. She also finished second on both the uneven bars and balance beam.


Memmel burst into the spotlight in 2003 when she was named to the Pan American Games Team and won five medals, including team and all-around gold. An alternate to the 2003 World Championships Team, she was placed into the lineup after injuries and illness to three team members. Memmel played a vital role in securing the team gold medal, earning the highest all-around marks of any team member during team finals. She went on to tie with teammate Hollie Vise as the world uneven bars co-champion.
USA Gymnastics recently caught up with Chellsie to see what she has been doing since she returned from China.


What is your favorite memory from China?Probably standing on the awards stand with the other girls. That was amazing. We went through a lot of hardship there, a lot of injuries, but we still pulled it together and came home with the silver.
How has life changed since the Olympic Games?There’s a little more recognition. I did the tour and then have been traveling a little bit on the weekends to do appearances. But other than that, it’s just kind of quiet.


What has been your favorite thing you have done since the Olympic Games?I think the tour has been my favorite. It was just totally different from anything I’ve ever done. We were able to be relaxed and more at ease instead of totally focused on the competition. It brought everyone closer, which was really cool.


Have you had a break since you returned from the Olympic Games?
I went to Mexico in January with my sister and one of our friends from the gym.
What are your plans for the rest of 2009?I would still like to compete this year, so my plans are to get back into training and into shape. My ankle still is not fully healed, but it just needs rest.


Did being an alternate on the 2004 Olympic Team motivate you during the following four years to make the 2008 team?
That was a huge part of my wanting to make the Olympic Team because I was an alternate in 2004. That’s why I stuck around, because I wanted to be ON the team.


What was your timeline to get ready for the 2008 Olympic Team Trials?
We put together a plan after the Visa Championships in 2007 when I didn’t make the World (Championships) Team. We went back home and put together a training plan that spaced things out a little bit more for me to be ready for the Games.


Of all the places to which you have traveled, what has been your favorite?
It’s difficult. I definitely loved Hawaii when we did a competition there, and I’m also a big fan of Europe.


What do you like most about gymnastics?
I like everything. I love competing and representing my country – that’s probably the most fun that I have. I like training, too, and learning new skills. I like all of it!


What is your favorite childhood gymnastics memory?
I just remember running around the gym and having fun. Just kind of throwing skills here and there and playing around.


You bought a house in 2008. What’s it like being on your own?
I like being out on my own. It’s just a place I can go to relax and not have anything around me, just be on my own time. In the gym, I’m with my entire family so when I go home, I have time for myself. But I still spend a lot of time with my family. I think it’s a good balance for me.


Have you thought much about your plans for after you retire from competitive gymnastics?
After I retire, I definitely want to go to school. I put that off to train and travel so I could focus. I want to go to school and not worry about the training and traveling schedules.


Do you have any schools in mind?
I do think I would want to stay close to home. There are some great colleges really close. If not, I can always start here and transfer somewhere else if I wanted to.


Do you know what you want to study?
No, not really. I’ll start out with all the general classes, but probably something with business. If I do end up working at the gym or taking over eventually, that would be a good degree to have.

USA Gymnastics is the National Governing Body (NGB) for the sport of gymnastics in the United States, consistent with the Amateur Sports Act of 1978,the Constitution of the United States Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation. The mission of USA Gymnastics is to encourage participation and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of gymnastics.USA Gymnastics, 132 E. Washington St., Suite700, Indianapolis, IN 46204Phone: 317-237-5050; Fax: 317-237-5069; Member Services: 1-800-345-4719

Longtime Nebraska gym coach Allen retiring

Associated PressLINCOLN, Neb. -- Francis Allen, who coached two U.S. Olympic teams and won eight NCAA men's gymnastics championships in 40 years at Nebraska, announced his retirement Thursday, saying the Cornhuskers' program needs new leadership.
The 66-year-old Allen was the youngest college gymnastics coach in the nation when he was hired in 1969, and he'll leave July 1 as the oldest.
He was the Olympic coach in 1980, when the Americans boycotted the Moscow Games, and again in 1992 in Barcelona.
His eight national championships rank second in NCAA men's gymnastics history behind the nine won by Penn State's Gene Wettstone.
"It is almost impossible to measure the impact Francis has had, not only on the sport of gymnastics but also on the lives of many young men," USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny said. "His legacy is well-secured within USA Gymnastics and the history of this sport. He's been a leader, a pioneer and someone who cared deeply about the development of gymnastics."
Athletic director Tom Osborne said Thursday that Allen would help search for a new coach.
Born in Cleveland, Allen grew up in Lincoln and competed for Jack Geier, the only other gymnastics coach Nebraska has had since 1950.
"I couldn't have imagined coming here out of high school that I would have the opportunity to work with conference champions, national champions and Olympians," Allen said. "There has been a lot of ups and down, but it has all been worth it."
Allen said it's time to turn the program over to a younger coach.
"I have old ways and I am set in those ways," he said, "and I am used to dealing with kids from a little different generation."
Nebraska captured NCAA titles for five straight seasons, from 1979 to 1983. The Huskers also won team championships in 1988, 1990 and 1994.
The early '80s marked squads were led by Jim Hartung, Scott Johnson and Phil Cahoy, all of whom competed on the gold medal-winning 1984 Olympic team.
"Throughout the '80s he had a number of guys who were always competing for the highest possible opportunity internationally," said Oklahoma coach Mark Williams, who competed for Allen at Nebraska from 1977-80. "We had almost a dynasty in the early '80s, specifically with those three guys."
Allen's teams also earned seven national runner-up finishes. From 1979-95, Nebraska finished either first or second at the NCAA meet 15 times. Including the 2009 season, the Huskers have competed in 25 of the last 31 NCAA championships, advancing to the finals 16 times.
Williams, who has won five national titles at Oklahoma, said Allen has never been hesitant to offer advice, even to his opponents.
"He once told my wife that he figured the wins I had were at least partly his, too, since he developed me," Williams said. "He could look at it that way, even when some of my teams started beating his. He's a legend. I hate to see him not be out there day-to-day with gymnasts."
Allen's athletes have earned 172 All-America awards, and 41 gymnasts have earned individual event titles. Seven of those individual titles came in the all-around from internationally known competitors like Hartung (1980-81), Wes Suter (1985), Tom Schlesinger (1987), Patrick Kirksey (1989), Dennis Harrison (1994), Richard Grace (1995) and Jason Hardabura (1999).
Hartung (1982), Suter (1986) and Schlesinger (1987) were also awarded the Nissen-Emery Award, given annually to the nation's top senior gymnast.
During the 1992 Olympics, Allen coached former Nebraska gymnast Trent Dimas to a gold medal with a 9.875 on the high bar. Dimas was the first U.S. gymnast to win a gold medal at a non-boycotted Olympic Games in 60 years.
Williams said Allen often expressed frustration with the politics that come with coaching gymnastics at the international level.
"He found a lot more pleasure working with his team and his guys with the goals they had in mind for Nebraska," Williams said.
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
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